DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 MULTI UNIT FOOD SERVICE - WINSTON SALEM, NC

Position Title: DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - K12 MULTI UNIT FOOD SERVICE - WINSTON SALEM, NC

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit .

Job Summary

Make a difference in students’ lives every day while growing your leadership career with Chartwells K12!

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to direct food service operations across the Winston-Salem public school system. In this role, you’ll partner closely with the Area Director to deliver high-quality dining programs that fuel student success, while driving operational excellence and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader who is passionate about both people and performance. You’ll play a critical role in supporting school nutrition programs that reach thousands of students daily—ensuring compliance, efficiency, and outstanding service, all while developing future leaders and making a lasting impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities :

• Managing the overall leadership for all departmental functions, including managing, planning, directing, and evaluating departmental operations.
• Prior experience managing $35M or greater in multi-site environment
• Provides fiscal oversight of operations and provides financial reports to the Area Director while recommending and evaluating cost control compliance.
• Identify new and innovative ways to reduce the costs of labor and materials.
• Directly supervises and maintains responsibility for their unit within the department, including directing the efforts of and supervising management and other staff members.
• Participates in the development of short-term and long-term departmental goals and objectives
• Provides advice and input in matters pertaining to the administration of University-wide programs and initiatives that involve the Company.
• Provides advice and input in managing strategic plans and the development of integrated programs.
• Directs the coordination of activities across departments to ensure that departments are not working at cross purposes to others.
• Monitors, evaluates and provides advice on process development, compliance and internal controls and provides information and reporting to management.
• Advises with developing, and implementing new policies or revisions to existing policies.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field and participates in training and professional development sessions.
• Serves on various committees and user groups as requested.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Five to ten years of progressive management & leadership experience and a proven record of cost containment in a large complex organization.
• Leader who is visionary with strong management, planning and communications skills. Must have the ability to see and understand the inter-connections between various operating units.
• Proven success in client relationship management, financial oversight, and team development.
• Expertise in K12 school nutrition operations and USDA compliance strongly preferred.
• General business acumen.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• High Customer Service and quality attitude, with great communication skills.
• Public speaking skills.
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Ability to maintain organization in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.